Pipe slitting machine

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for cutting a relatively short section of pipe into a plurality of arcuate segments includes a cradle having a support for receiving the pipe with its axis generally horizontal when the cradle is in its lower position and a plate normal to the support at one end of the support. The cradle is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis and is rotated upwardly through an angle of 90* so that the pipe rests on the plate with its axis vertical. A vertically movable carriage surrounds the pipe when in its upper position and carries a plurality of cutting torches. Means are provided to move the carriage from the bottom of the pipe to the top with the torches in operation to divide the pipe into a plurality of segments. The cradle is then rotated in the same direction as the original rotation to discharge the segments from the cradle after which the cradle is returned to its original position. Special means are provided for moving the cradle.

United States Patent Baxter et al.

Oct. 24, 1972 [72] Inventors: Calvin J. Baxter, Springville; McKinley B.Thomas, both of Orem, Utah [73] Assignee: United States SteelCorporation [22] Filed: May 13, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 142,871

[52] US. Cl. ..266/23 K, 266/23 N, 269/56, 269/58 [51 1 Int. Cl. ..B23k7/04 [58] Field of Search ..266/23 N, 23 K, 23 M, 23 R; 269/56, 58

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,221 ,788 11/1940 Doyle..266/23N X 2,317,239 4/1943 Yoch ..266/23 N 2,426,690 9/ 1947 Hughey..266/23 R 2,884,242 4/1959 Fleming ..269/58 X PIPE SLITTING MACHINEPrimary ExaminerFrank T. Yost Attorney-Martin J. Carroll [57] ABSTRACTApparatus for cutting a relatively short section of pipe into aplurality of arcuate segments includes a cradle having a support forreceiving the pipe with its axis generally horizontal when the cradle isin its lower position and a plate normal to the support at one end ofthe support. The cradle is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis andis rotated upwardly through an angle of 90 so that the pipe rests on theplate with its axis vertical. A vertically movable carriage surroundsthe pipe when in its upper position and carries a plurality of cuttingtorches. Means are provided to move the carriage from the bottom of thepipe to the top with the torches in operation to divide the pipe into aplurality of segments. The cradle is then rotated in the same directionas the original rotation to discharge the segments from the cradle afterwhich the cradle is returned to its original position. Special means areprovided for moving the cradle.

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDOcI24|972 SHEU 1 0F 4 INVENTORS.CALVIN .1. BAXTER a McK/NLEY 5. THOMAS I A! ro'rney Pmmmw w 3.700.222

sum 2 or 4 INVENTORS.

CALVIN .1. BAXTER a McK/NLEY a. THOMAS A! rorney PATENTEUUBI 24 I972SHEET 3 [IF 4 III/[ lll/ll/ lNVE/V TORS. CAL WA! .1. BAXTER a McK/NLEYa. mamas Attorney PATENTEUBBT 24 I912 3 700.222

SHEET 6 0F 4 EDGE OF PIPE. P

INVENTORS.

CALVIN J. BAXTER 8 McK/NLEY B. THOMAS By M Arlorney PIPE SLITTINGMACHINE This invention relates to apparatus for slitting or cutting apipe into a plurality of segments and is especially adapted for cuttinglarge pipes having a diameter between 20 to 40 inches into three or foursegments. These pieces of pipe are cut from the ends .of the originallyformed pipe to eliminate defects in the end and are therefore scrapproducts. The scrap pipe is charged into an open hearth or oxygensteelmaking furnace as part of the charge. However, they cannot becharged in their cylindrical condition. Prior to our invention the pipewas cut into segments by hand labor using oxy-acetylene torches. This isa time consuming and hence an expensive operation.

It is, therefore, an object of our invention to provide a pipe slittingmachine which will cut the rejected ends of large diameter pipes intosegments suitable for loading into charging boxes for subsequentcharging into steelmaking furnaces.

' Another object is to provide such a machine which may be used to cutpipes of various diameters.

These and other objects will be more apparent after referring to thefollowing specification and attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is aside elevation of the pipe slitting machine of our invention;

FIG. 2 is a view taken on the line "-11 of FIG. 1 wit some partsomitted;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line VVof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on the line VI-VI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view taken on the line VIIVII of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view taken on'the line VIII-VIII of FIG.

3; and

FIG. 9 is a view taken on the line IXIX of FIG. 8.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, reference numeral 2indicates a base frame which includes a floor 4 having an opening Stherein. Mounted on the frame 2 are a pair of spaced bearings 6 forrotatably supporting a shaft 8 which is fixed to a cradle 10. The cradle10 includes a pair of spaced apart plates 12. An angle 14 extendsbetween and is welded to the plates 12. A plurality of bars 16 aremounted on each leg of the angle 14 so as to provide a support forreceiving a pipe P. The number of bars 16 may be varied to provide forpipes of various diameter. A plate 18 also extends between the plates 12and is welded thereto and also to one end of angle 14. As best seen inFIG. 5, the plate 18 has a plurality of cut out portions 19 around itsperiphery for a purpose that will appear later. Five such cut outportions are shown with three 19D being of greater depth than the othertwo 19L. However, it will be understood that the number may vary andthat all of the cut out portions may be of the same depth, dependingupon the size of pipe and number of cuts to be made. An hydrauliccylinder 20 has its lower end pivotally mounted on frame 2 by means of apin 22. Piston rod 24 has its outer end secured by means of a pin andclevis 26 to a plate 28 which extends between the plates 12 and ispivotally mounted on a pin 30 which extends between and is secured tothe plates 12. A stop 32 is welded to the inside of each plate 12 tolimit the upward movement of plate 28. Fluid under pressure isintroduced into the bottom of cylinder 20 through a flexible hose 20Band to its top through hose 20T. Flow of fluid to the cylinder 20 iscontrolled by means of four-way valve 33. A second hydraulic cylinder 34has its lower end pivotally mounted on pin 36 secured to plate 28 andits piston rod 38 pivotally attached to a channel 40 which extendsbetween and is welded to the plates 12. Fluid under pressure isintroduced into the bottom of cylinder 34 through a flexible hose 34Band to its top through hose 34T. Flow of fluid to cylinder 34 iscontrolled by means of a four-way valve 35.

Extending upwardly from the base frame 2 are two support frames 42, eachincluding two vertical beams 44 connected at their tops and bottoms bymeans of horizontal plates 46. The bottom plate 46 is bolted to the baseframe 2. The top plate 46 is bolted to a top beam 47. An angle 48 iswelded to the top and bottom plates 46 between each pair of verticalbeams 44, the angle forming a vertical track for a torch carriage 50.The carriage 50 includes a horizontal ring 52 which has an extension 53midway between the frames 42 to provide clearance for cradle 10. Aroller bracket 54, best shown in FIG. 7, is attached to ring 52 adjacentto each angle 48. Each bracket 54 rotatably supports upper and lowergrooved rolls 56 which ride on the associated angle 48. A nut 58 issecured to each bracket 54 between each pair of beams 44. A verticalrotatable screw 60 is mounted between each pair of end beams 44 andpasses through the associated nut 58. The screws 60 are rotated inunison by means of a variablespeed reversible DC. motor 62 which rotatesA shaft 64 connected to drive a pair of gear boxes 66, one connected toeach screw 60.

- Spaced apart around the periphery of the ring 52 (FIG. 3) are aplurality of torch holders 68. Each torch holder (FIG. 8) includes asleeve secured to ring 52 for slidably receiving a horizontal arm 72which is held in adjusted position by means of set screws 74. A link 76is pivotally attached to arm 72 by means of a pin 78. A bracket orholder 80 is pivotally attached to the bottom of link 76 by means of apin 82-. The inner part of the bracket 80 includes a slot 84 forreceiving a permanent magnet 86 and a wear plate 88 which extendsinwardly beyond the magnet 86. The magnet 86 and wear plate 88 areclamped in place by means of bolts 90. The outer end of the bracket 80has a horizontal hole 92 therethrough for pivotally receiving a cuttingtorch 94 which is clamped in adjusted position by means of a bolt 96.The bracket 80 is held by means of cap screws 98 in such a position thatthe face of magnet 86 and plate 88 will be substantially vertical. Eachtorch 94 has its hoses 100 connected to circular manifolds 102 supportedon ring 52 by means of plates 104. A scrap bucket 106 is mounted on ascrap car 108 which is movable on rails 110 on the side of base frame 2opposite opening 5.

The operation of our device is as follows: Assuming that the pipe P isto be cut into three segments, a torch 94 is mounted on three selectedbrackets 80 spaced approximately l20 apart in which position they willbe aligned with the three cut out portions 19D. This is preferable whencutting relatively small diameter pipe. With large diameter pipe it ispreferred to cut the pipe into four segments, in which case four torchesare used and mounted on four brackets 80 spaced approximately 90 apart.In this position, the torches will be aligned with the two smaller cutout portions 19L and the two lower cut out portions 19D. The operationis the same from this point. Assuming further that the carriage 50 is inthe upper position as shown and that the cradle is in the full lineposition shown, a pipe P to be cut is rolled into the cradle. onto thesupports 16. Fluid is then introduced into the bottom of cylinder 20 tomove the cradle 10 through 90 so that the plate 18 will be horizontaland the pipe P will be positioned with its axis vertical as shown inbroken lines. The operator then causes motor 62 to rotate at arelatively fast speed to move the carriage 50 downwardly until thetorches 94 on ring 52 are below the bottom of pipe P. He then starts thetorches in operationand operates the motor 62 to cause the carriage 50to move upwardly at a relative slow cutting speed. The magnets 86 causethe brackets 80 to swing toward the pipe P until the wear plates 88contact the pipe P, thus positioning the torches 94 for best'cuttingoperation. vlt will be understood that the arms 72 will be so positionedthat the wear plates 88 will be spaced only a short distance from pipeP. When larger or smaller pipe are to be cut, the position of arms 72are adjusted accordingly. When the cutting is completed the torches areshut off and the motor 62 stopped. The operator then causes fluid to beintroduced into the closed or lower end of cylinder 34. This causesrotation of cradle 10 through an angle of so as to move the plate 18 toa slanting position as shown in the second broken line position in FIG.2. This dischargesthe individual segments into the scrap bucket 106mounted on the scrap car 108; Fluid is then introduced into the oppositeends of cylinders 34 and 20 to restore the cradle 10 to its originalposition. The equipment is then ready to receive and cut another pipe P.While the operation has been described as manual, it will be understoodthat controls could be readily provided for automatic or semi-automaticoperation.

While one embodiment of our invention has been shown and described,other adaptations and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the following claims.

I We claim:

1. Apparatus for cutting a cylindrical workpiece into a plurality ofarcuate segments comprising a frame, a cradle pivotally mounted on saidframe for movement about a generally horizontal axis, said cradleincluding a support for receiving said workpiece with its axis generallyhorizontal when the cradle is in a first position and a plate normal tosaid support at the end adjacent said frame axis, means for moving saidcradle upwardly through an angle of approximately 90 to a secondposition whereby said workpiece rests on said plate with its axisgenerally vertical, means for cutting said workpiece into a plurality ofsegments when it is in upper position, and means for moving said cradlein the same rotational direction as in its first movement to a thirdposition to discharge said segments from said cradle.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said first moving meansincludes a fluid cylinder having its closed lower end pivotally mountedon said frame, a second plate, means mounting said second plate on saidcradle for movement about an axis parallel to the axis of said cradle, apiston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free endpivotally connected to the outer end of said second plate, and meanslimiting movement of said second plate away from said cylinder; and inwhich said second means includes a second fluid cylinder having a closedend pivotally mounted on the outer end of said second plate, and apiston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free endpivotally connected to the upper end of said cradle.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for cutting saidworkpiece includes a vertically movable carriage, at least one cuttingelement mounted on said carriage, and means for moving said carriagefrom one end of said cylinder to its other end when said cylinder is inposition with its axis vertical.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which said first moving meansincludes a fluid cylinder having its lower closed end pivotally mountedon said frame, a second plate, means mounting said second plate on saidcradle for movement about an axis parallel to the axis of said cradle, apiston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free endpivotally connected to the outer end of said second plate, and meanslimiting movement of said second plate away from said cylinder; and inwhich said second means includes a second fluid cylinder having itslower closed end pivotally mounted on the outer end of said'secondplate, and a piston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a freeend pivotally con nected to the upper end of said cradle.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said means for cutting saidworkpiece includes a vertically movable carriage, said carriage beinggenerally ring shape, a pair of vertical tracks on diametricallyopposite sides of said carriage arranged to support said carriage forvertical movement from one end of said cylinder to another while saidcylinder is in position with its axis vertical, and a plurality ofcutting elements mounted on said carriage.

- 6. Apparatus according to claim Sin which said first moving meansincludes a fluid cylinder having its closed lower end pivotally mountedon said frame, a second plate, means mounting said second plate on saidcradle for movement aboutan axis parallel to the axis of said cradle, apiston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free endpivotally connected to the outer end of said second plate, and meanslimiting movement of said second plate away from said cylinder; and inwhich said second means includes a second fluid cylinder having itslower closed end pivotally mounted on the outer end of said secondplate, and a piston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a freeend pivotally connected to the upper end of said cradle.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 including a pair of brackets mountedon diametrically opposite sides of said carriage, a wheel mounted oneach bracket each engaging one of said tracks, a nut mounted on eachbracket with its axis vertical, a vertical screw passing through eachnut, and means for rotating said screws in unison to raise and lowersaid carriage.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which said cutting elements aretorches,-and said apparatus including a plurality of torch supportingholders mounted on said carriage, each holder comprising a horizontalsleeve mounted on said carriage, an arm slidable in said cylinder andhaving a free end pivotally connected to the outer end of said secondplate, and means limiting movement of said second plate away from saidcylinder; and in which said second means includes a second fluidcylinder having its closed end pivotally mounted on the outer end ofsaid. second plate, and a piston rod movable in said fluid cylinder andhaving a free end pivotally connected to the upper end of said cradle.

1. Apparatus for cutting a cylindrical workpiece into a plurality ofarcuate segments comprising a frame, a cradle pivotally mounted on saidframe for movement about a generally horizontal axis, said cradleincluding a support for receiving said workpiece with its axis generallyhorizontal when the cradle is in a first position and a plate normal tosaid support at the end adjacent said frame axis, means for moving saidcradle upwardly through an angle of approximately 90* to a secondposition whereby said workpiece rests on said plate with its axisgenerally vertical, means for cutting said workpiece into a plurality ofsegments when it is in upper position, and means for moving said cradlein the same rotational direction as in its first movement to a thirdposition to discharge said segments from said cradle.
 2. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 in which said first moving means includes a fluidcylinder having its closed lower end pivotally mounted on said frame, asecond plate, means mounting said second plate on said cradle formovement about an axis parallel to the axis of said cradle, a piston rodmovable in said fluid cylinder and having a free end pivotally connectedto the outer end of said second plate, and means limiting movement ofsaid second plate away from said cylinder; and in which said secondmeans includes a second fluid cylinder having a closed end pivotallymounted On the outer end of said second plate, and a piston rod movablein said fluid cylinder and having a free end pivotally connected to theupper end of said cradle.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 in whichsaid means for cutting said workpiece includes a vertically movablecarriage, at least one cutting element mounted on said carriage, andmeans for moving said carriage from one end of said cylinder to itsother end when said cylinder is in position with its axis vertical. 4.Apparatus according to claim 3 in which said first moving means includesa fluid cylinder having its lower closed end pivotally mounted on saidframe, a second plate, means mounting said second plate on said cradlefor movement about an axis parallel to the axis of said cradle, a pistonrod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free end pivotallyconnected to the outer end of said second plate, and means limitingmovement of said second plate away from said cylinder; and in which saidsecond means includes a second fluid cylinder having its lower closedend pivotally mounted on the outer end of said second plate, and apiston rod movable in said fluid cylinder and having a free endpivotally connected to the upper end of said cradle.
 5. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 in which said means for cutting said workpieceincludes a vertically movable carriage, said carriage being generallyring shape, a pair of vertical tracks on diametrically opposite sides ofsaid carriage arranged to support said carriage for vertical movementfrom one end of said cylinder to another while said cylinder is inposition with its axis vertical, and a plurality of cutting elementsmounted on said carriage.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in whichsaid first moving means includes a fluid cylinder having its closedlower end pivotally mounted on said frame, a second plate, meansmounting said second plate on said cradle for movement about an axisparallel to the axis of said cradle, a piston rod movable in said fluidcylinder and having a free end pivotally connected to the outer end ofsaid second plate, and means limiting movement of said second plate awayfrom said cylinder; and in which said second means includes a secondfluid cylinder having its lower closed end pivotally mounted on theouter end of said second plate, and a piston rod movable in said fluidcylinder and having a free end pivotally connected to the upper end ofsaid cradle.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 5 including a pair ofbrackets mounted on diametrically opposite sides of said carriage, awheel mounted on each bracket each engaging one of said tracks, a nutmounted on each bracket with its axis vertical, a vertical screw passingthrough each nut, and means for rotating said screws in unison to raiseand lower said carriage.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which saidcutting elements are torches, and said apparatus including a pluralityof torch supporting holders mounted on said carriage, each holdercomprising a horizontal sleeve mounted on said carriage, an arm slidablein said sleeve, a bracket pivotally suspended from said arm supportingone of said torches, an inwardly facing wear plate mounted on saidbracket, and a magnet mounted on said bracket beside and spaced radiallyoutwardly from said wear plate.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 inwhich said first moving means includes a fluid cylinder having itsclosed lower end pivotally mounted on said frame, a second plate, meansmounting said second plate on said cradle for movement about an axisparallel to the axis of said cradle, a piston rod movable in said fluidcylinder and having a free end pivotally connected to the outer end ofsaid second plate, and means limiting movement of said second plate awayfrom said cylinder; and in which said second means includes a secondfluid cylinder having its closed end pivotally mounted on the outer endof said second plate, and a piston rod movable in said fluid cylinderand having a free end pivotally connected to the uppeR end of saidcradle.